University applications commence
General Admission System for Portuguese Higher Education Institutions Opens for 2025/2026 Academic Year
The application process for the 2025/2026 academic year's general admission system to Portuguese public higher education institutions is now open. Candidates can apply online through the Directorate General for Higher Education (DGES) website.
This year, a total of 55,956 places are available, an increase of 643 places from the previous year. There are over 1,100 options at 34 higher education institutions to choose from.
Key Dates: 1. Application Deadline for the 1st call: August 4, 2025 2. Results Publication: August 24, 2025 3. Enrolment and Registration Period: August 25 to 28, 2025 4. Welcome Week at Técnico Lisboa: September 1 to 3, 2025
Required documents generally include a completed university application form via the faculty’s online portal, scanned copies of a passport or citizen’s card, scanned secondary education certificates or bachelor’s diplomas, language certificates (Portuguese and/or English), if applicable, and for foreign qualifications, documents must be apostilled, translated into Portuguese, and consular certified.
For new students at Instituto Superior Técnico, the Digital Mobile Key (CMD) is required to complete enrolment. Candidates are advised to request this well in advance as activation may take weeks.
In addition to the general admission system (National Call), there are other admission routes for special cases such as applicants over 23 years of age, holders of middle-level or higher education, or those changing courses or institutions, each with their own deadlines.
For international students or non-nationals, there are specific entry requirements including proof of secondary education access rights, language proficiency (typically B2 in Portuguese), and compliance with entrance exams either from their country or the Portuguese equivalents.
The general admission system offers options for candidates from emigrant backgrounds, those of Portuguese descent, or those requesting to replace entrance exams with foreign exams. The deadline for applications for these candidates is July 28th.
The application process involves applying online by early August through DGES, submitting all required documents digitally, awaiting results mid-late August, and then enrolling in late August. The system is centralized and competitive.
For those who are not successful in the first phase, a second phase runs from August 25th to September 3rd, with results announced on September 14th. A third phase runs from September 23rd to 25th, with results announced on October 1st.
For more information and to apply, visit the Directorate General for Higher Education (DGES) website and request an access password.
Candidates could explore various education-and-self-development opportunities by choosing from the over 1,100 learning paths available in the centralized general admission system for Portuguese higher education institutions.
A key aspect of the application process involves submitting required documents such as language certificates and scanned copies of academic certificates, and, for foreign qualifications, obtaining apostilled, translated, and consular-certified documents.
